The very first Symposium on the Latest Trends in Organic Synthesis was held May 28-31, 1984, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Organized by Tomas Hudlicky (Virginia Tech), George Majetich (University of Georgia), and Dennis Liotta (Emory University), it was conceived as a forum for enhancing the visibility of synthetic organic chemists from the southern United States. The original format was designed to provide a balanced mix of industrial chemists as well as early-career and established academic chemists. The inaugural symposium was a marathon event featuring 33 speakers. It was a resounding success, and the symposium has convened every two years since. In the intervening years, it evolved into an internationally recognized symposium, on par with the Gordon Research Conferences.

In 1996, the Symposium moved to Gainesville, Florida, and in 2004 moved again to the present location in the Niagara Region of Ontario, which has proven to be an ideal venue. The upcoming 16th Symposium will be the sixth one held here. The conference remains an exciting event, bringing together from around the world some of the most interesting and accomplished chemists in academia and industry.